TWO-STEP METHOD FOR STRENGTHENING GLASS

摘要

A method of strengthening an alkali aluminoborosilicate glass. A compressive layer extending from a surface of the glass to a depth of layer is formed by exchanging larger metal cations for smaller metal cations present in the glass. In a second step, metal cations in the glass are exchanged for larger metal cations to a second depth in the glass that is less than the depth of layer and increase the compressive stress of the compressive layer. Formation of the compressive layer and replacement of cations with larger cations can be achieved by a two-step ion exchange process. An alkali aluminoborosilicate glass having a compressive layer and a crack indentation threshold of at least 3000 gf is also provided.